A new chapter in live poker history has been written, and it’s got Bangkok at its center. Cards are officially in the air at the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition, which kicked off with a bang at UOB LIVE, Emsphere Mall in downtown Bangkok on July 31, 2025.
After a slight schedule shake-up, Thailand finally joined the WPT global party — and oh boy, what a debut!
Thailand’s First WPT Deal: The Opener Hits the Mark
The action began with The Opener, which was initially set for July 30 but reconfigured into a freeroll freezeout due to the one-day delay. No complaints from players though — they were greeted with a THB 3 million (~USD 91,715) travel fund prize pool.
A whopping 677 entries flooded the 70-table tournament area, turning heads across Asia’s poker scene and confirming that Thailand is ready for some serious shuffle-and-showdown action.
WPT Prime Thailand Championship: Locked and Loaded
Running from August 1–5, the WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition Championship carries a mind-blowing THB 37 million (~USD 1.1 million) travel fund guarantee — easily one of the largest ever seen in a debut Asia-Pacific poker event.
While the full daily schedule is still being ironed out, one thing’s confirmed: four Day 1 flights lead into the grand finale on August 5, and the tension? Palpable.
Thai Talent at the Tables: Freeroll Dreams Come True
To truly include the locals, WPT added freeroll satellite qualifiers just for Thai nationals, with 15 players already snagging Championship seats. Two more domestic qualifiers are on the horizon, creating what many are calling a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for homegrown heroes to rise.
Opening Ceremony: Poker Meets Policy
Poker met prestige during the opening ceremony, which saw officials like:
- Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports
- Krisda Tanterdtit, Secretary to the Minister
- Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueak-am, Commander of Tourist Police
- Michael Chan, WPT Asia-Pacific GM
- Christine Sou, Event Management Director
All took the stage to hail this historic moment for Thai poker and tourism alike.
“This event marks a meaningful step in combining poker and tourism,” said Michael Chan, emphasizing how poker is increasingly being recognized as a sport of skill, not chance.
He added,
“Your skill, passion, and dedication are what truly bring this event to life. We’re honored to share this moment with you.”
Table: Key Highlights of WPT Prime Thailand Exhibition
| Feature | Details |
| Location | UOB LIVE, Emsphere Mall, Bangkok |
| Dates | July 31 – August 5, 2025 |
| Championship Guarantee | THB 37 million (~USD 1.1 million) |
| Opener Prize Pool | THB 3 million (~USD 91,715) |
| Thai Nationals via Freeroll | 45 total qualifiers |
| Number of Starting Flights | 4 |
| Final Table | August 5 |
Whether you’re a seasoned shark or a wide-eyed newcomer, Thailand’s poker scene is on the rise. Stay tuned with Pokerbol for the freshest updates, strategy tips, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access from WPT Prime Thailand and beyond!
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FAQ: What You Need to Know
1. Is poker legal in Thailand?
Poker is still in a legal grey zone, but this event has government support under a “tourism and sports” initiative.
2. Can international players enter?
Absolutely! Many participants qualified through global travel packages.
3. What’s the buy-in for the Championship?
THB 37,000 (~USD 1,100), but some players gained entry through freerolls.
4. Is there a live stream for the event?
WPT typically broadcasts its major events — keep an eye on their official YouTube and Twitch channels.
5. Will WPT return to Thailand next year?
While not officially confirmed, the overwhelming response may just turn this exhibition into an annual tradition.
Image Courtesy: WPT Prime Thailand
Content Courtesy: Somuchpoker